Professionals Australia has intervened in the dramatic dispute urging workers not to give in to the demands

There are concerns the militant union’s ongoing turf war could bring Victoria’s “big build” of government projects to a halt.

The CFMEU’s tactics have been criticised as ‘seriously misguided’. Picture: David Crosling

Construction on Victoria’s “big build” of government projects will stop unless the CFMEU abandon their “unlawful” turf war on surveyors, a key union has warned.

They have also alleged that the proposed deal from the militant union “stinks” and their tactics are seriously misguided.

The Herald Sun last week revealed the CFMEU were shutting surveyors out of building sites unless they join the union and their employers sign a new enterprise deal, with projects facing delays and blowouts as workers refused to give in.

In a letter sent to surveyors across Victoria, Professionals Australia intervened in the dramatic dispute to urge the workers not to give in to the demands.

The CFMEU has been shutting surveyors out of building sites unless they join the union and their employers sign a new enterprise deal. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“Put simply: this is unlawful,” they say.

“Professionals Australia has a clear right to represent the industrial interests of Surveyors.

“The CFMEU can’t say the same.

“More importantly, the proposed CFMEU deal stinks. They (and their tactics) are seriously misguided.”

The professionals union also argues that signing the “sub-par” deal proposed by the CFMEU would leave surveyors worse off by allowing them to be sacked with a day’s notice and forcing a flat rate across all workers.

“As a union we cannot advise that you throw away your employment security. It is dangerous and foolish,” they say.

“They don’t understand your profession and they have no plan to progress your career.

“Fundamentally, the proposed deal by the CFMEU doesn’t add up. You are not a builder’s labourer. We respect their work, but it’s not your work. You are a professional with job security and you should be treated like it.”

Professionals Australia warn they are also considering their legal options, flagging they would take their fight directly to the Andrews government.

“The Big Build will stop if the CFMEU don’t let professionals do their job,” they say.

“The more they prevent you from performing your work, the more it becomes apparent how important your profession is. Without you, work stops.”

“We will have more to say in the near future. In the interim hold firm and don’t let this deal destroy your employment security and your Profession for years to come.”

Last week, CFMEU state secretary John Setka defended by claiming that surveyors had approached their union about securing a better pay deal.

Government projects are among those affected by the move, including disruptive level crossing removals.

The CFMEU was contacted for comment.